homemade dog food toppers

16 Homemade Dog Food Toppers For Picky Eaters (Get Fido Excited For Mealtimes)

Key Takeaways

• Some healthy homemade dog food toppers for picky eaters include blueberries, yogurt, cucumbers, apples, shredded cheese, unsalted broth, and more.
• Some dogs are simply picky with food, but in some cases, this could be due to health issues. If a dog refuses to eat completely, seek the advice of a veterinarian.
• While dog food toppers are meant to entice dogs into eating, it should also add nutritional value to their diet.

Is your dog picky about the food he or she eats? While my own dogs would gobble up anything I put in their food bowl, I know a lot of pet parents who gets frustrated trying to get a pup to eat when they turn their noses up at each meal.

One perfect solution that just about works everytime is homemade dog food toppers for picky eaters. These food enhancers can range from cooked meat, to vegetables and fruits such as: unsalted broth, cooked chicken, carrots, blueberries, apples, shredded cheese, yogurt, and more.

Getting your canine companion to finish his food can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are some deliciousdog foodtopper options you can add to your dogs meals. These toppings entice your furry friend to finish every bite.

Delicious Single-Ingredient Homemade Dog Food Topper Ideas

Picky eaterscan make feeding stressful. Sometimes pups like these wont be enticed with even the best fresh dog food unless it has good food toppers. The following are some delicious single ingredient toppers you can add to your dogs diet. You likely have some of these on hand.If not, check out some of the best dog food delivery service companies that offer toppers along with custom meal subscriptions.

Blueberries

Blueberries will make most dogs go crazy with excitement. In addition to tasting mouthwatering to our furry friends, blueberries are also packed with essential vitamins, like A, C, and K.

Cucumbers

Many dog owners are surprised to learn cucumbers are an excellent addition to dog food. The crunch and refreshing flavor are what dogs crave. Cucumbers hydrate your dog and give him beneficial potassium and magnesium.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is anotherdog foodtopper that will entice your picky eater to dig in [1]. This oil is considered a delicacy to dogs, and it helps give your dog a strong and beautiful coat. You should give your dog no more than one teaspoon full per 20 pounds. Another healthy substitute is coconut oil.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is excellent for dogs. The best fish oil for dogs is full of omega-3 fatty acids that are perfect for dogs with flaky skin. Adding a few drops to your dogs kibble will make it more enticing and add nutrients.

Shredded Cheese

Dogs, like people, love cheese. Just like humans, dogs only need cheese in moderation. To avoid excess fat, choose mozzarella or goat cheese. Sprinkle a little on top of your dogs food for a tasty treat.

Cooked and Unseasoned Meat

Every dog loves meat. Cooked unseasoned meat is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B, zinc, and protein. Choose cooked chicken, beef, pork, or turkey to make your dog happy with his food.

Unsalted Broth

The unsalted, unseasoned broth is also an excellent addition to any dogs food. To make it even more nutritious choose bone broth which is packed with nutrients. Cook your own for the highest level of nutritional value.

Yogurt

Dogs love yogurt, and it is highly beneficial to their gut health. Yogurt is packed full of probiotics that aid your dogs digestion. Choose plain unsweetened yogurt as its more friendly to your dogs tummy. Greek yogurt adds protein.

Peanut Butter

What dog doesnt love peanut butter? If your dog is a peanut butter fanatic, consider adding it as adog foodtopper. Make sure you use dog-safe peanut butter that contains no salt or sugar. Some peanut butter contains xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs.

Cooked Green Beans

Most dogs love cooked vegetables, and green beans are perfect. Green beans are packed with nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and K. Before serving them to your dog cut the green beans up into small pieces, and steam them until they are soft.

Pureed Pumpkin

Pumpkin is food all dogs should eat. Similar to sweet potatoes, it is full of vitamins and fiber, which can help your dogs digestive system. Add a spoonful of pure pumpkin. Do not purchase pumpkin pie filling.

Cooked Eggs

Whether scrambled or boiled, dogs love eggs, and they are filled with protein. Eggs contain iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and essential amino acids. Never feed your dog raw eggs because they could cause salmonella poisoning.

Grated Raw Carrots

Carrots are a veggie you do not have to worry about cooking. Carrots are low in calories and full of Vitamin A. If you plan on serving them raw to your dog, grate them finely or use a food processor then put on top of the kibble.

Watermelon Chunks

Watermelon is perfect during the summer because it will cool your dog down and give him nutritional benefits. Do not feed your dog the rind or seeds. A little watermelon on top of his food gives hydration to your dog.Carrots are also great to add to homemade dog food for heart disease.

Cored & Sliced Apples

Apples are another fruit you should consider giving your dog. Core the apples and slice them into small pieces. Apples are full of fiber for your dogs digestive tract. They are also a good source of Vitamins C and A.

Nutritious Dog Treats

Thebest dog treatsare typically the most nutritious options. If you do not have any of the toppers above on hand, crumble some nutritious dog treats on type of the kibble. Be careful when using treats because they can pack on the calories.Avoid giving too many treats as well as this could be a reason why a dog wont eat his food from being too full.

FAQ About Dog Food Toppers

If youve never added a topper to your dogs food, you likely have a lot of questions. Consider the following FAQ to learn more information.

1.What can I add to my dry dog food for picky eaters?

If your dog is a picky eater, you can add many fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats. Yogurt is also an enticing treat. Make sure any topper is dog-friendly before serving.

2.What can I put in my dogs food to make him eat?

Some dogs are naturally pickier, and some get picky because of health issues [2]. If your dog will not eat at all, consult with your vet. Blueberries and peanut butter are perfect additions to entice even the pickiest of eaters.

3.What can you add to homemade dog food to make it taste better?

If your dog is not enjoying his kibble, you can make it taste better with unsalted, unseasoned broth, fish oil, or olive oil. Each of these will add flavor and proper nutrients.

4.What can I put on top of dog food?

Meat is always a welcome topping for dog food. Cooked meats like beef and chicken add protein and other nutritional benefits for dogs of all ages. Make sure to cut the meat into small pieces.

Bottom Line

Some dogs are picky eaters, and feeding them can become frustrating. With the toppers above, you can entice your dog to eat his food and ensure he has the right level of nutrition.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved

Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved for your furry friend.

Cooking for your dog? I love to add extra protein, veggies, and nutrients to my dog's kibble. I've reviewed these recipes with my dogs, veterinarians.

Your dog will love these homemade dog food recipes that are vet approved as its meal. It's one of our friend's dog, Zoey's favorites!You can feed these recipes-raw or cook the entire meal.

Homemade dog food can benefit your pets in several ways. If you have a dog who suffers from allergies, skin problems or gastrointestinal issues.

Kibble is highly processed and tends to lose its nutritional value.

Making dog food or dog treats from scratch maintains vital nutrients, therefore making it easier and healthier for your dogs. Besides, who wants to eat the same thing every day!

Tips and Tricks for Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved

Just like people, each dog is different and needs different nutritional and amounts of food. There is no one dog fits all rule.

Your dog's weight, health conditions, level of activity and size are all things you should consider when feeding your dog homemade dog food.

A good mix of a dog's basic requirements are enough to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

Every dog needs protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, minerals and vitamins. I always include a good multi-vitamin like these 5-in-1 Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites.

Keeping our pets happy and healthy is always my number one concern.

• Proteins like Beef, Venison, Lamb, Rabbit, Hamburger, Chicken and Turkey help with growth of your dog, maintenance of tissues, organs and provides the amount of hormones and enzymes.

• Fats from oil and meat help with the absorption of vitamins, protect the internal organs, and help maintain good skin and hair. I prefer using fish as the major source of fat.

• Carbohydrates like rice, beans and corn helps to keep the intestines healthy while supplying glucose to the organs and the brain.

• Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K promote the greatest benefits to the skin, eyes, and provide immunity for our dogs.

Vegetables that can be added

My dogs love raw carrots. They put them between theirpaws and will spend a good half hour just chewing on a raw carrot.

For mealtime, I find my dogs digest cooked vegetables better than raw vegetables. Raw broccolican cause gas.

These are a good basic diet for adult dogs. If your puppy is overweight, has allergies or needs a high protein diet, you'll want to make the adjustments.

A Couple of Easy Ways to Cook Dog Food

If you're cooking the meat instead of leaving it raw, I recommend cooking it a couple of different ways.

The first is to simmer it in waterin a pot on the stove. Then mix the cooking water with the foodand you'll end up with a stew-like bowl for your puppy.

You'll always want to overcook the grains you choose so that it is easily digestible. Some veterinarians now feel grains should be limited, so check with your pet on his particularnutritional needs.

Vitamin and Nutritional Supplements

30 Minute Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipe

(This recipe is not a balanced meal for your pet. This recipe is only a topper for your dog's food.)

Recipe

Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved

10 Easy Homemade Dog Food Toppers to Make Your Dog's Dinner Fun

Has your dog started to turn up their nose at the dry kibble you are putting in their bowl every day? If that is the case, you arent alone. Often, dogs get bored with the same kibble day after day and refuse to eat. So what should you do? Make a homemade dog food topper! Dog food toppers are fun, nutritious, and often extremely easy to whip together.

Dont Quit the Kibble

One thing to keep in mind is that if your dog is a bit picky, dont overthink it if its just once or twice. If your doggo turns up their nose, they might not be too hungry, or their tummy is a little funny. Before ditching your dogs current kibble, check to see if there may be an underlying reason theyve stopped eating.

If their lack of appetite persists, it is time to see the vet. Your dog might have some health issues that are reducing their appetite. The vet can also check to see if a sore tooth or infected gums are making it painful for your dog to chew their kibble.

Kibble provides many benefits

Well-balanced, high-quality kibble provides a nutritious diet for your dog, providing the right proportion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Dry dog food also helps to scrub your best buddys teeth as they eat, which can lead to fewer dental problems in the long run.

Check the Date on Your Dogs Dinner

While kibble will last a long time on the shelf, it doesnt last forever. So if your dog stops digging in, check to see if your dogs kibble has passed its expiration date. If so, the fats might have turned rancid and that could affect its appeal to your dog.

How to Increase Your Dogs Appetite at Mealtime

Some dogs thrive on variety. Others just arent hungry. If youre wondering if a homemade dog food topper is worth your time, check these other approaches to increasing your dogs appetite, first.

Keep your dogs feeding schedule regular

Dogs, like many people, are creatures of habit. Feed them at the same time or times each day. They will get used to the schedule and be ready to eat when the food is presented to them.

Let your dog eat or not

When it is time to eat, put their food out. If they arent hungry, they wont eat, but leave it out so that they can eat it when they do get hungry. Of course, for a multi-dog home, this might not be an option because the other doggos might get to it first.

Reduce your doggos snacks

Why did your mom make you eat your meal before she gave you dessert? So you would get your nutrients before your stomach was full. The same is true for your dog. If you give them too many dog snacks and treats, they might not have an appetite come mealtime.

Treats are made to be tasty (and many are nutritious, too), but they wont provide the right balance of nutrients, and they are usually high in calories.

Walk before you feed your pupper to stimulate their appetite

Try taking your doggo for a brisk walk before dinner. Sometimes the additional activity will stimulate their appetite, making them more likely to eat the kibble that you give them.

Not only does walking release happy endorphins, but when your dog has been outside, smelled some wonderful smells and spent some quality time with their favourite human, theyre less likely to object to their dinner. They will be happy and a little tired, perfect state of mind for not fussing over a meal of the kibble that they have been eating.

10 Homemade Meal Toppers, Guaranteed to Make Your Dogs Mouth Water

Dogs cant talk, so they cant tell you what to do or why they dont want to eat that bowl full of kibble that they used to dive into, so you have to make some educated guesses. We suggest you begin with some basic meal toppers (especially if youre short on time) then launch into a bit more flavour if needed.

1. Add a little liquid

Sometimes all it takes is a little moisture to get your dog excited about dinnertime. It will give the kibble a different feel and different smellthat might be all that it takes to get your dog eating. Not only that, but it will help keep them hydrated, which is important during hot weather.

Water

You can start with just adding a little water to the kibble and giving it a good stir. The water will form a gravy that should stimulate your dogs appetite.

Milk

If milk products dont bother your doggos tummy, you can add a little milk. That will help provide additional calcium and vitamin D.

Broth

Meat broth can be either store-bought or homemade. If you buy it, make sure it is low in sodium so your dog doesnt get too much salt.

DIY Homemade Meat Broth

It is easy to make your own brothand a homemade approach allows you to control the ingredients that go in.

1. Put the bones, any extra meat, and whatever veggies you would like in a pot, cover with water, and then simmer for a couple of hours on low.
2. Check from time to time to be sure theres plenty of liquid left in the pot.
3. Strain the broth, and add any little chunks of meat and vegetable that you think your dog would like.
4. Mix a little with your dogs kibble. Refrigerate the leftovers.

When your dog finishes their meal, make sure that you wash out the bowl so that bacteria doesnt grow. Bacteria could cause problems with your dogs digestive tract.

2. Give Your dog a home-cooked meal

Food simmering on the stove or baking in the oven will fill your home with wonderful smells. You can bet that your dog will notice and that will stimulate their appetite.

If youre eating something healthy, spoon out a bit before you fully salt the dish. Then mix a little of whatever you are having with their kibble. Just make sure that it is only a small amount so that they will still be getting the proper nutrients provided by the kibble.

3. Want yogurt with that?

Some dogs love yogurt! And luckily, its also something healthy that might induce them to eat.

Plain, low-fat yogurt will add vitamin D and live lactobacillus acidophilus for improved gut health. It is low in calories and will help your doggo with bowel movements, too. But watch for diarrheanot all dogs can digest milk and milk products.

4. Freshening things up with fruit and veggies

There are a variety of fruits and veggies that you can add to get your furry friend to eat their kibble.

Experiment by adding some of the following until you find some that your dog can't resist:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Kale
• Peas
• Spinach
• Sweet potato

The veggies work best cooked, and give them just a little to start with to make sure that it doesnt cause problems with their digestive tract.

You can even double down and add some of these tasty fruits and veggies to some plain yoghurt for an irresistible kibble topper!

5. Add some eggs

Give eggs a try, either raw or cooked (although some dogs prefer their eggs cooked). Eggs are a good source of protein and will provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of essential amino acids and fatty acids.

Dont forget that you can give them the shell too for added calcium.

6. Sardines: a secret superfood

Open a tin of sardines and mix a couple of them in with the kibble. They will add flavour and omega-3 fatty acid, too. You can be sure that your dog will notice the smell!

7. Spice it up with a few herbs

If your dog has a refined palate, provide a bit of variety with healthy herbs. Some you might want to try, include:

• Chamomile
• Cinnamon
• Dill
• Fennel
• Ginger
• Goldenseal
• Milk thistle
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Turmeric

Avoid spices like comfrey, garlic, ma huang, pennyroyal, tea tree oil, white willow bark, wormwood and yucca.

8. Add watered-down peanut butter

Few dogs can resist peanut butter! If your dog doesnt want their dinner, just mix a spoonful of peanut butter with a little water or cooking oil, then mix it with the kibble. Most dogs love the flavourit is easy and inexpensive.

9. Mix with dried meat cut into small pieces

Cut or chop dried meat into small pieces and add that to the kibble. Some varieties of dog food already do this. Just make sure that your dog isnt getting too much sodium.

10. Add wet or raw food

Most dogs feel canned food and raw dog food smells and tastes better than kibble, so if all else fails, give that a try. Remember to balance your dogs caloric intake.

Toppers Turn Your Dogs Dinner into a Delight!

Dogs, just like people, can get fussy about their food. And dont forget that their tastes can change over time, too. Make sure that their lack of appetite isnt caused by poor health or dental problems, then start experimenting until you find something that your doggo cant resist. When whipping together homemade kibble toppers, just make sure that they arent feeding them so many added calories. And always check with your vet to be sure your dog is receiving a balanced, healthy diet.

Keep track of what they like and what they dont and note those added treats that give them digestive discomfort. Soon you will figure out what they like and what they dont and develop a few strategies to get them to eat properly. Your dog will love you for it, and you will be happy that you took the time and effort to find out what they really, really want.